Estonia is northern Europe borders the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland including more than 1500 islands. Its diverse terrain spans rocky beaches, old growth forests and many lakes. Formerly part of the Soviet Union. It’s dotted with castle, churches and hilltop fortress. The capital, Tallinn, is known for its preserved old town, museums and the 314m high Tallinn TV tower which has an observation deck. Another major site in Tallinn is kadriorg palace, a summer home built by Czar Peter the great for his wife Catherine. Near Tallinn is the vast lahemaa national park with raised bogs, conifer forests and country manor houses. The imposing medieval Kuressaare castle on Saaremaa Island house a museum covering the region’s history.